"Nintendo Switch Update Closes Popular Game Sharing Loophole"

Nintendo has recently released a system update for the Nintendo Switch, introducing the new Virtual Game Cards feature in preparation for the upcoming Switch 2 launch. This update, however, has closed a popular method for playing the same digital game online across two different Switch consoles simultaneously.

As reported by Eurogamer, Switch users previously exploited a loophole where the primary console owner could launch a game and play it online, while another user logged into the same account on a different Switch could also play the game online at the same time. With the introduction of the Virtual Game Cards system, this workaround is no longer viable.

However, users have discovered an alternative method to play a single copy of a digital game. By going offline and enabling the Online Licenses option in the user settings, you can still access and play the game without the need for a Virtual Game Card, provided the game isn't being played elsewhere or the other Switch is set to offline mode. The setting description is as follows:

"If this option is enabled, purchased digital software will be playable while the console is connected to the internet, even when the virtual game card for that software isn't loaded to the console. However, when using an online licence, only the user signed into the Nintendo Account that was used to purchase the software will be able to play it; it will not be playable for other users on the console. Your virtual game cards can be used to play software regardless of this setting. Online licences cannot be used on multiple consoles at the same time. The online licence and virtual game card for a software title cannot be used at the same time."

In essence, if one of the Switches is offline, you can still enjoy the same game on two consoles simultaneously. Eurogamer has confirmed this method works, highlighting that the significant change is the closure of the loophole for playing the same game online at the same time across different consoles.

The community response has been largely negative, with users on platforms like ResetEra and Reddit expressing frustration over the change. Many are upset that their previous game-sharing setups are disrupted, particularly the loss of the ability to play online games like Splatoon or Minecraft together as a family or group.

For families, this change could mean doubling the cost of purchasing games if multiple children wish to play the same Switch game together. This update essentially closes a loophole that was beneficial for many, leading to widespread dissatisfaction with the new system.

This update comes just over a month before the launch of the Switch 2, which will also implement the Virtual Game Cards system. Additionally, the Switch 2 will introduce Game-Key Cards, where a significant number of games will not have the full game on the cartridge and will require an online download to complete the installation.